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The holiday season is in full swing, and there’s only a week or two left to get the right present for everyone on your list — but that’s not what we’re here to talk about today. Look, there’s no shortage of presents you can add to cart online now (or can send digitally! We’re never going to ignore a practical e-gift card). But if you’re participating in a White Elephant gift exchange this year, even though the gifts are (in theory) supposed to be goofy or impractical, you don’t want to lean too far into dreaded gag gift territory.
The best White Elephant gifts should be versatile enough for everyone in your group, yet still cheap enough that you won’t break the bank. Referencing my own friend group’s white elephant of year’s past, the gift can still be surprising and silly (a Waluigi ornament), but could also be something genuinely useful that they might not have thought to buy for themselves (like a cold brew making carafe). But you don’t want it to eventually become clutter that ends up in the trash post New Year’s Eve — so we’ve rounded up a steal-worthy list of fun, practical, and interesting gifts arranged by price point that (most) anyone will enjoy.
What Is A White Elephant Gift?
So, what exactly does a White Elephant gift exchange entail, exactly? Regardless of what you call it (my Bostonian roommate still refers to it as a “Yankee Swap”), the rules remain relatively the same: Those who participate all contribute a gift to the pile, with someone being designated to choose and unwrap a gift to kick things off. The next person has the choice of unwrapping another gift from the pile or choosing chaos by stealing the gift that was just unwrapped by the previous person.
The Best White Elephant Gifts 2024
Whether your White Elephant gift is sentimental or a downright silly, the goal is to bring along a present that’ll make the experience fun for all involved. From gifts under $100 to under $10, we’ve compiled a list of White Elephant gift suggestions that are actually cool.
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $15
Retro Record Coasters for Drinks with Vinyl Player Holder
$13.99
$19.99
30% off
Buy Now On Amazon
We love these vinyl coasters, which feature fun lyrics and sayings that are sure to spark conversation over drinks (and get your White Elephant guests to stop leaving ring stains on your table — it’s a win-win!). This set gets you six, non-slip rubber coasters shaped like mini LP discs.
MPOWERD Luci Winter Snowflake Solar Lantern
$11.97
$14.95
20% off
Buy Now On Amazon
The weather outside may be frightful, but this rechargeable, collapsible mini-lantern is oh-so-delightful. Their limited-edition “Sunny Nights” design was inspired by luxury candle labels (more chic than your usual industrial-looking camping gadgets) and uses a flame-free, solar-powered LED light that actually flickers. With eight hours of battery via sunlight, they’ll always be ready for an aah moment.
Hyashee Cleaner Kit for Airpods Pro
$8.99
Buy Now On Amazon
Chances are, you know someone who should be regularly cleaning their buds (but aren’t) to keep them in good condition (and to keep them sounding stellar). This set includes a cleaning pen that can reach deep into crevasses to pull out dust, dirt gunk and grime. It’s compact and useful for wiping down their other tech, like keyboards and phones, too.
Baggu Crescent Bag Charm
$14
$20
30% off
Buy Now on Ban.do
It’s a bag for bags — what more can we say? Baggu, purveyor of scene-y totes and more, has a great White Elephant gift in this bag charm that you can use to decorate any larger bag (just use promo code FROSTY to get it under $20). But it’s not purely aesthetic, keeping small items like credit cards or key rings close at hand.
Snoop Dogg Presents Goon with the Spoon: A Cookbook
$12.47
$24.95
50% off
Buy Now On Amazon
E-40 began showing off hiscookingskills on social media a few years ago, tagging his culinary creations with the hashtag #GoonWithTheSpoon. Snoop Dogg liked the moniker so much, he agreed to make it the title of this collaborative cookbook. Within, they’ll find recipes like “Ridin’ Dirty Shrimp ‘n’ Grits” and a “Bacon Cheeseburger Lumpia,” inspired by E-40’s Filipino food business in the Bay Area (playful nods to Snoop’slove for the leafalso abound, like his “Green” mint chocolate brownies).
Travel Smart by Conair Digital Luggage Scale
$10.49
$14.99
30% off
Buy Now on target
Anyone taking advantage of last-minute holiday travel deals will want this for their packing list. Conair’s luggage scale has an easy-to-read digital display that’ll show the weight in either kg or lb. It might not be the sexiest White Elephant gift, but it’ll save anyone for paying for an overweight bag (or having to wear five sweaters at once onto the plane).
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
$10.80
$19.99
46% off
Buy Now On Amazon
The coffee or tea lover in your exchange will be happy they grabbed this mug warmer. This device is all about convenience — it’s compact enough to store or take anywhere and easy to use, warming beverages in just two minutes. It even alerts you to when your drink is ready. Bonus: the warmer also doubles as a dad-approved stocking stuffer.
TRENDOUX Knit Touch Screen Winter Gloves
$8.99
$13.99
36% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Now this is a gift that never disappoints — after all, there’s nothing worse than trying to text on your phone outside when it’s freezing. These durable touchscreen gloves are made with soft inner lining that keeps your hands comfortable and warm against the bitter elements. They’re also outfitted with conductive material on thumbs, forefingers and middle fingers,so you can swipe and tap away, sans-hypothermia.
AriZona Iced Tea SPF 30 Lip Balm 3-Pack by Vacation Sunscreen
$11.99
Buy Now On Amazon
From the makers of our favorite sunscreen, the limited-edition Vacation x AriZona lip balm variety pack is a great nostalgia hit that’ll bring them back to late night bodega or gas-station runs. Like grown-up Lip Smackers, these come in refreshing AriZona flavors: Mucho Mango, Iced Tea with Lemon, and Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey. Oh, and did we mention they’re SPF 30?
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30
Amazon
Apple Airtag
$24.00
$29.00
17% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Even if you’re someone who isn’t particularly forgetful (but especially if you are), an Apple Air Tag is a lifesaving accessory. These small-but-mighty tags keep track of all your items through the Find My app, as well as a built-in speaker — you can even ask Siri for help. Setting it up is super simple, as it instantly connects with your iPhone or iPad. Even one singular tag makes for a worthwhile White Elephant contribution.
Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set
$22
Buy Now on fly by jing
This Sichuan-packed stocking stuffer makes for a stellar addition to any White Elephant party, especially if your group is full of known spice fiends. They’ll get a (literal) kick out of Fly By Jing’s mini sampler set, which includes the brand’s popular Sichuan Chili Crisp and (our current favorite) Sweet & Spicy Zhong, a sweet, tangy, spicy and umami-rich sauce inspired by the classic Chengdu street snack, Zhong Dumplings.
Ilford Sprite 35-II Camera
$21.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Anyone can snap a quick pic on their phone, but there’s nothing that beats the nostalgia and anticipation of waiting for film to develop. We’ve made turntables trendy again, and this basic reloadable film camera is another retro gift that’ll be particularly steal-worthy during the exchange. It’s as easy-to-use as a disposable camera, just without the disposable part.
Dr. Squatch All Natural Bar Soap 3-Bar Variety Pack
$24.00
Buy Now On Amazon
One year, I received a Batman-themed Riddler soap bar in a White Elephant exchange that involved a ridiculously difficult ARG for figuring out the secret scent, and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since. In the same vein, Dr. Squatch handmade soaps are playful-yet-practical, made from natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, and coming in fresh scents like Pine Tar and Cool Fresh Aloe. While they’re especially formulated for men, the appealing lather of the Squatch is undeniably genderless.
BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
$24.99
$32.99
24% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Abest-seller on Amazon, this wireless karaoke microphone also functions as a speaker and a recorder — think of it as your own handheld music studio, that’ll also get the party started thanks to its colorful LED lights. The Bluetooth-enabled device is compatible with Android and iOS, and you can also pair it with a computer or laptop. It also comes with an auxiliary cable for those who prefer to plug the mic directly into another device.
The Cocktail Box Co. Moscow Mule Cocktail Kit
$23.99
Buy Now On Amazon
Adding a bottle of booze into the White Elephant mix is a baller move, but arguably a bit basic. Zhuzh up anyone’s bar cart with this premium Moscow Mule cocktail kit. One tin has everything amateur mixologists need to make three-six servings of their favorite cocktail — two types of bitters, tangy lime juice packets, ginger syrup, an elegant muddler’s spoon and three stainless steel cocktail picks. Just add vodka!
beanie MUSICBEE Bluetooth V5.2 Wireless Knit Winter Cap
$26.99
Buy Now On Amazon
Wearing headphones in the winter can be a pain if you’re trying to fit them over a thick hat, and forget it if you’re attempting to shove earbuds in under your ski helmet. Part Bluetooth speaker, part oh-so-warm beanie, this Musicbee knit cap is the best of both worlds, getting you 10 hours of tunes with built-in HD stereo speakers. We love that the music playback controls are also integrated into the stylish leather panel on the side of the beanie.
COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Mask 10EA + Hydrogel Collagen Mask 3EA
$26.99
$34.98
23% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Here at RS Recommends, we love our snail goo, and COSRX’s Snail Mucin serum even made our most popular gifts list earlier this year. Anyone looking to achieve that elusive “glass skin” everyone’s been talking about online lately will feel renewed and revived after putting on one of these facial sheet masks. The two pack comes with their signature masks, as well as hydrogel masks that turn transparent as it delivers rich hydration into your skin.
Homesick White Elephant Candle
$29.95
Buy Now on homesick
Want to get meta with your White Elephant pick? Homesick’s White Elephant candle already comes in a decorative box for easy gifting, scented with notes of candied orange,Balsam Fir (basically Christmas tree), and champagne to kickoff the holiday festivities. These holly jolly candles have a burn time of up to 80 hours and are hand-poured with an all-natural soy wax blend.
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $75
Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker
$48.00
$59.99
20% off
Buy Now On Amazon
The ultimate compact speaker, Sony’s XB100 may be small in size, but it packs a mighty sound (easily making it one of the most coveted swaps at the White Elephant). Most importantly, Sony made it waterproof and dust-proof, essential if you’re going to be taking this pint-sized powerhouse outside. It also boasts a 16-hour battery life per charge, giving you long-lasting tunes whether you take it to the beach or on a hike.
OXO Brew Rapid Brewer
$31.99
$39.95
20% off
Buy Now On Amazon
For anyone tired of settling for mediocre coffee while traveling, the OXO’s new Rapid Brewer is an excellent gift for making espresso-strength coffee on-the-go. It’s also a solid option for at-home use, if you don’t have the space or need for a full-size espresso machine. It’s capable of brewing coffee hot or cold, and the built-in mesh filter makes for mess-free cleanups.
Pura Car Pro Portable Smart Fragrance Diffuser
$64.99
Buy Now On Amazon
It’s time to ditch the hanging pine tree freshener for good — this portable fragrance diffuser lets you control the intensity of your scents (and trust us, Pura’s options are good) from your phone. But you can also go completely hands-free (keep them on the wheel though!), because the diffuser automatically starts and stops when it detects movement from your vehicle. For White Elephant giftees who don’t have a car, it also works just as well from your desk or in your bedroom.
Otamatone Electronic Musical Synthesizer Instrument
$39.98
Buy Now On Amazon
Want to really derail your White Elephant gift exchange? Throw one of these bad boys into the mix. If you’ve never seen an Otamatone before (how have you not been online in the past 15 years?), it’s essentially a portable synthesizer “instrument” (we use this very lightly) that has a very, ahem, distinct sound. To play it, just slide your fingers along the stem to vary the pitch and squeeze its cute little cheeks to add vibrato.
Dr. Martens Premium Shoecare Box
$35
Buy Now on Dr. Martens
It’s no secret thatthe break-in period for Dr. Martens bootsis the stuff of legends (for better or worse), but what happens after getting that oh-so-worth-it feel? Real leather boots and shoes (not just Docs) take maintenance, and their Premium Shoecare Box will give you everything you need to keep your kicks looking as fresh as can be. This kit comes with Wonder Balsam (an exclusive blend of waxes formulated to condition and protect leather), Shoe Freshener for gently removing odors from any footwear, and Ultra Protector Spray, which creates a breathable layer of protection against dirt, rain, UV-rays and stains.
DO Your Whisky DIY Whiskey Infusion Set
$47.92
$59.90
20% off
Buy Now On Amazon
For the boozy bunch, this DIY Whiskey Infusion Set makes a good White Elephant gift for anyone who wants to elevate their bar cart without breaking the bank on premium spirits. The kit comes with a variety of wood chips and botanicals to infuse their favorite whisky with some extra flavor for a memorable cocktail guests won’t soon forget.
Roundfire Tabletop Fire Pit (With S’mores Kit)
$29.99
$49.99
40% off
Buy Now On Amazon
They say the key to people’s hearts is through their stomach, and for the sweet tooth and those who love the outdoors, there is nothing better than s’mores. If you want to have the gift everyone loves most, Roundfire’s Tabletop Fire Pit is the way to go, and will leave your guests drooling for more. It provides over one hour of burn time (compared to only 30-40 minutes with other similar-sized mini pits) so they can experience the thrill of the great indoors (and a couple of hot sh’moes).
MTEN Pickleball Paddles (Set of 2)
$29.99
$49.99
40% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Thepickleball trendshows no signs of slowing down in 2025 and this under-$50 set is a great way to get anyone into the game. They’ll get two fiberglass rackets, four balls, two grip tapes and a carry-all bag. You can also choose from multiple colors and patterns online.
Empirical Cilantro
$54.99
Buy Now on reservebar
Warning: this is not the liquor for anyone who has the “soap” tasting gene. But for the rest of us blessed with the “cilantro yummy” gene, one of the best gifts of the year has to be a bottle of Empirical Cilantro, a new spirit that uses the common cooking herb as its root inspiration (no pun intended). Made from French wheat as a base with a 38% ABV, the spirit uses a “proprietary process” to then extract and add flavors from the cilantro stem and leaf. The result: a liquid that is crisp and herbaceous, with light citrus and dry minerality.
